QUESTIONS OF PRIVILEGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14926, 26 February 1912, Page 8

QUESTIONS OF PRIVILEGE.

THE INQUIRY OPENED.

EXTENSION OF TIME PROPOSED. [BY TELEGRAPH— SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Saturday. Preliminary meetings were held this morning of the Committees of Privileges constituted to report upon the questions of privilege referred to them by the House, of Representatives, as a result of the statements made in the House of Representatives with reference to the member for Grey Lynn. The personnel of the committee is the same in each instance, the members being Messrs. James Allen, W. Eraser, J. H. Hanan, W. Nosworthy, E. P. Lee, G. W. Russell, J. Robertson, G. M. Thomson, \V. A. Veitch, and Hon. J. A. Millar. Mr. Hanan was elected chairman. It was resolved that the proceedings should not bo open to the press, and should bo regarded as sub judice. The committees will meet again on Monday, and the chairman will tako an early opportunity of asking the House to grant an extension of time for the preparation of their reports. This request will probably be made on Monday evening. Mr. Maurice O'Connor, of the Thistle Hotel, when seen with regard to some of the statements made in the House on Friday, said Mr. Payne had never been offered money in his hearing. With regard to the 'letter bearing his signature, Mr. O'Connor said it was a letter offering in the event of a dissolution and another election for Grey Lynn, to donate £100 for the fighting fund to Mr. McMaster's nominee. Mr. Chas. McMaster said the allegation that he had offered Mr. Payne a bribe was ridiculous. Mr. Chas. McMasters left by the Main Trunk express last night for Wellington, having been summoned to give evidence before the Privilege Committee.